Camp and Character

“Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.”
— Martin Luther King, Jr.

We can give our children many things, but as parents, we cannot give them character, independence, optimism, and enthusiasm – these are qualities that children have to discover and develop on their own. And that is the true gift of camp. Camp is a place that provides a safe environment to find adventure, friendship and ultimately to find one’s self, to find one’s true character.

At camp we often call ourselves a camp “family,” and for those summer months we really are. We are one community, relying on each other and looking out for one another. It feels like family. And at its heart, that is how Martin Luther King Jr. wanted us to look at the world around us: one family, each of us treated with respect and compassion. May the strength and love that we feel at camp send ripples to the world around us. For those of us lucky enough to go to camp, it’s our obligation to make it so.

Let us know what your kids are doing out in the world for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Email, tag or direct message us, or use the hashtag #PFCCares2017.

Guest Blogger: PFC Division Leader

Tell us about yourself!
My name is Zach Gelb and I was the Senior Boys Division Leader in 2015 and will be the Hi-Senior Boys Division Leader in 2016. This will be my 14th summer at Pine Forest Camp. I was a camper for 8 summers and a staff member for 5, going on 6 summers.

What did you get out of your position as Senior Boys Division Leader?
My position was amazing. It was so much fun to interact with the kids and staff and watch them grow. The 7-8 weeks you spend at PFC will give you lifelong friends, a fantastic summer, and a bond you will always remember with the best people.

What makes a good counselor?
A great counselor can’t sweat the small stuff and has to be willing to try new things. Some of the best counselors I have seen always have great positive energy and are willing to help out in making the summer great for the kids.

What was one of the biggest challenges you faced in your Division Leader role?
I had a camper who was homesick. I paid extra attention to this boy and made sure he always had something to do. After the first week of camp, his homesickness improved. But for that week, it was challenging to make sure he was always distracted and having fun while also dealing with many other children at camp.

What was your favorite thing about your Division Leader role?
I like many things about camp such as: boys’ line-up, basketball leagues, banquet, evening activities, camp chants, campfires, A-Game, and color war. However, my favorite part is seeing kids upset on the last day. Yes, that may seem odd, but when campers and staff cry on the last day, you know you did your job since they don’t want to leave camp. Like I said, camp is a magical place and you will forever cherish the bonds you make. Each summer is different and it just gets better and better. To have a camper or staff member (yes, staff cry too) cry or say thank you on the final day shows how appreciative they were of their experience at camp.

What do you wish you knew before working at camp? Any advice for new counselors?
My advice would be to look at each day as a new day at camp. Try everything you can and break out of your comfort zone early. Being a camp counselor can be very rewarding and you need to take advantage of every opportunity, as the summer goes by very quickly. As far as supplies, make sure to bring an egg crate, a fan, bug spray, and some funny costumes. You can purchase most of that stuff near camp. I would also encourage you to try and meet other staff members, whether it be in person or online, before you come to camp, but this is not a necessity.

Gelb

Spotlight on: Andy!

Meet Andy Borowsky, Head of Boys Camp and new father to daughter, Beau!

Andy

Hometown: Newtown, PA
When I’m not at camp, I’m: An Elementary Teacher and Ice Hockey Coach
Years at PFC: 4
Favorite camp meal: Chicken Fingers
Favorite camp tradition: Boys Campfires
Favorite camp song: Any former Color Days song
Favorite evening activity: Tennis Ground Hockey
Favorite part of being Head of Boys Camp: Line ups!
What I’m looking forward to most in 2015 is: Being reunited with all of my camp friends and making new ones.
Describe PFC in 3 words: PINE FOREST CAMP (Ha!)
Fun fact about myself: My wife and I just had our first child!!!

Beau

Spotlight on: Amy!

Meet Amy Klimkowski, Head Counselor of Girls’ Camp!

color days

Hometown: Chicago, IL

When I’m not at camp, I’m: A Teacher and Sales Associate for Burton Snowboards

Years at camp: This will be my 10th summer!!! Can’t believe I’ll be going on the tree this year!

Favorite camp meal: Tacos. I can’t get enough. My record is 5 in one lunch! Burp.

Favorite camp tradition: Anything to do with 4th of July. It used to be the only day I would get homesick at camp. Now, 10 years later, I couldn’t imagine spending it anywhere else. The talent show is a highlight of my summer every year. You all rock for getting up there!

Favorite camp song: “I’ve got a pair of combination underwear…”

Favorite evening activity: Capture the Flag or Beach Ball Bonanza

Best part about being a camper: I was never a camper at PFC but I did go to camp when I was a kid. My favorite part of camp was the lake! I couldn’t get enough of it. I spent all day, every day there. Is that a big surprise to you? :)

Favorite part of current role: This is my first year in this role at camp but so far I have been loving it! Having the opportunity to work on projects and continually plan for camp all year long is a dream come true. This summer is going to be AMAZING! Andy and I have some exciting things up our sleeves… Also, a key to the ice cream barn will be a GREAT perk! Shhhh… I’ll share!

Favorite Camp Memory: There have been so many …but hitting a home run over the fence in the Boys’ Camp Home Run Derby contest is an absolute highlight. #hitlikeagirl

What I’m looking most forward to in 2015: Every year, the best part of my summer is spending it with you and making the most of every moment at camp. Also, my sneaker game is going to be on point this summer. I’ve got some funky new kicks I can’t wait to break in! Describe PFC in 3 words: Bliss, Happiness, Home.

Fun fact about myself: I am fluent in American Sign Language and all of the students I teach are Deaf.